Men armed with a knife and, according to police, external, "what appeared to be a handgun", have targeted a shop in West Bromwich.

The pair demanded takings when they struck at Nisa Local on Marsh Lane at about 19:15 on Friday, 18 November.

Police said the men threatened the cashier but fled empty handed when he refused to hand over money and warned them off with a baseball bat.   

Officers have released this image in connection with their investigation.

Image source, West Midlands Police

BBC Midlands Today

All this week on Midlands Today we're looking at congestion, on our roads, rail and bus services. 

It's a problem that is strangling businesses and making life harder for all of us to move around.

Our reporter Trish Adudu will have more on BBC1 from 13:30. 

BBC WM

Plans to build 6,000 homes on greenbelt land in Sutton Coldfield will be fought with "all legal means", the town's MP says.

The proposal is part of a bigger project - the Birmingham Development plan - which sets out a vision for around 50,000 new homes in the city over the next 15 years. Earlier this month, ministers lifted a block on the scheme.  

Conservative MP Andrew Mitchell said in the Commons "we will seek to oppose [the] decision by all legal means and amend future legislation in this house".

Fields near the Sutton Coldfield bypass at Peddimore and Langley are earmarked for 6,000 homes and 71 hectares (175 acres) of business properties.  

BBC Weather

Freezing fog patches that formed overnight will be slow to clear through the morning and despite the sunshine, it will remain cold. Max temp: 3C (37F).

Ian Winter
BBC Midlands Today Sport

A football cup dating back to 1880 will go on auction later this week. 

The Wednesbury Charity Cup - the prize for winning a regional competition - is said to be the second oldest silver cup of its type in the country. 

In 1886, Walsall Town - a forerunner of The Saddlers - lifted the trophy, then Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1888, followed by West Bromwich Albion in 1894.

Wednesbury businessman Isaak Griffiths JP established the end of season tournament for the West Midlands, with ticket proceeds benefiting local causes. 

BBC Sport

Steve Bruce has made an impressive start as Aston Villa manager.

He took over from Roberto di Matteo in October with the team 19th in the Championship and has taken them up to 11th, four points off the play-offs.

Speaking to Mark Chapman and former Villa player Andy Townsend on BBC 5 live last night, he said: "I've probably waited 20 years for an opportunity like this one."

BBC Sport

England have lost the Third Test against India in Mohali.

Chasing 103 to win, the home side reached their target for the loss of just two wickets - to take a 2-0 lead in the five-test series. 

Warwickshire's Chris Woakes took one of only two second-innings wickets.

Image source, AP

BBC Weather Watchers

It's been a sub-zero start for many across the region.

Susanne sent in this lovely picture from Stourbridge.

Image source, Susanne

Walsal Enders took this great picture from Hampton-in-Arden.

If you'd like to become a BBC Weather Watcher, you can sign up here.

Image source, Walsal Enders

Express and Star

Fed-up musicians protested against the lack of live music at the opening of Dirty Dancing at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre last night, external.

Image source, Express and Star

BBC WM Sport

Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce says he has got money to spend in January but will give the current squad a chance first. 

Villa are unbeaten in seven matches since Bruce took over and he says it's up to the current team to take their chance. 

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Midlands Today

The Black Country's only independent cinema could close because of a lack of money. 

Staff at Wolverhampton's Lighthouse Media Centre say it is under threat because council funding was withdrawn earlier this year. 

They are looking at crowd funding, external in the hope of increasing awareness of the venue, including the addition of front-of-house signage.

Image source, Google

A City of Wolverhampton Council spokesperson said: "Council staff are working with the Lighthouse Media Centre to help them identify a more sustainable and commercial business model going forward. Discussions are ongoing with the Lighthouse board of directors."

BBC News England

A teenage killer will serve a minimum of 21 years for shooting an 18-year-old father-to-be..

Disharn Downie, aged 17 at the time, fatally shot Kenichi Phillips, who was sitting in a parked car in St Mark's Crescent, Birmingham, on 17 March.

Image source, WEST MIDLANDS POLICE/PA WIRE

The shooting had been a drugs turf war killing, prosecutors have claimed.

Dean Silvera, 37, of Druids Heath, Birmingham, was convicted of assisting an offender, but cleared of murder. He was jailed for seven-and-a-half years.

A bus has caught fire on Station Road in Solihull.

BBC Sport

Last night the 16 contenders for this year's BBC Sports Personality of the Year award were revealed.

Two Midlands Olympic gold medallists have made it onto the shortlist, including Warwickshire showjumper Nick Skelton - nominated after winning individual gold at the age of 58. 

Staffordshire's Adam Peaty is on the list after becoming Britain's first male swimming gold medalist in 28 years.

Here's the full run down of contenders...

You can watch the awards, which are this year being hosted at the Genting Arena in Birmingham, on Sunday, 18 December on BBC One - find more details on BBC Sport.

BBC Travel

 A signalling problem, external between Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley is causing delays of up to 30 minutes and cancellations, the National Rail website reports.

Buses are being used to help with the overcrowding and the disruption is expected to continue until 09:00.

BBC Weather

A cold, bright and frosty start to the day, with a few freezing fog patches. 

Any fog slow to clear and a few patches of cloud through the morning, but lots of clear skies. Feeling cold, with a gentle breeze. Max Temp: 3C (37F).

Monica Rimmer
Journalist, BBC Online

Good morning from the WM newsroom. I'll be bringing you all the latest news, sport, travel and weather updates. 

Comment on our stories and share your pictures with us by email, tweeting @bbcwm, external or visiting the BBC WM Facebook page, external.

The families of the victims of the Birmingham pub bombings express anger about the difficulties they face to secure legal aid.

A teenage killer will serve a minimum of 21 years behind bars for shooting an 18-year-old father-to-be in a car.

West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis loses a £3.7m High Court battle with former club Crystal Palace.